Does dish soap emulsify lipids in the cell membrane?

[Dooga Blackrazor]

http://www.google.ca/search?q=cache:0j8NdYaQ3L4J:www.foodsafetynetwork.ca/biotechres/activityextraction.pdf+Kiwi+DNA+Extraction+Lab&hl=en

The above url is a lab that states that to do a DNA extraction of kiwi the cell membrane is eliminated through liquid detergent and mechincal mashing - done with a beaker in hot water. Would I be correct in saying the liquid detergent emulsifies the lipids in the cell membrane causing it to break down and be more easily destroyed through mechanical mashing?

Does the liquid detergent activate immediately or does heat have to cause movement in order for the emulsifying to occur?

Thanks.

 

[Moonbear]

Yes, it emulsifies the membrane. Here's a site that explains the actions of a number of reagents used to break down membranes for DNA extraction:
http://dwb.unl.edu/Teacher/NSF/C08/C08Links/cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/physio/tchrplan/oniondna.html

The detergent will act without heat. There are a number of biological grade detergents available, such as SDS, Triton-X100, Tween, and Saponin, that have different strengths as detergents. You can use them in very low concentrations just to make the membrane more permeable, such as to get in antibodies for immunocytochemistry, or you can use higher concentrations to break down the membrane to extract the DNA.

Because detergent will break down cell membranes, we have to be VERY careful in the lab to make sure all detergent residue is fully rinsed off glassware before using it.

 

[ravenprp]

Based on the information provided in the given URL, it can be inferred that the liquid detergent used in the kiwi DNA extraction lab does indeed emulsify the lipids in the cell membrane. Emulsification is the process of breaking down larger lipid molecules into smaller droplets that are able to mix with water. In this case, the liquid detergent acts as an emulsifier, allowing the lipids in the cell membrane to be more easily broken down and removed during the mechanical mashing process.

As for the question of whether the liquid detergent activates immediately or requires heat to initiate the emulsification process, this may vary depending on the specific detergent used. Some detergents may be more effective at room temperature, while others may require heat to properly emulsify the lipids. It is important to follow the instructions provided in the lab protocol and use the recommended detergent and temperature for optimal results.